Propulsion Test Technician Verified today
About Vast
Vast is developing next-generation space stations and space infrastructure using an incremental, hardware-rich, and low-cost approach. Haven Demo's 2025 success made Vast the only operational commercial space station company to fly and operate its own spacecraft. Haven-1 is expected to become the world's first commercial space station when it launches in 2027, followed by additional Haven modules.
The Role
This is a full-time, non-exempt position located in Mojave, California, reporting to the Manager, Propulsion Development Test. You will support the development of systems required for the design and build of human-rated space stations.
What You Will Do
- Build, maintain and operate rocket thruster test stands, with a focus on high pressure fluid systems.
- Perform install, uninstall and inspections on rocket engine thrusters.
- Support development, acceptance, qualification, and investigative test campaigns.
- Follow detailed work instructions and test procedures during hazardous operations.
- Work safely in a clean-room environment on high pressure oxygen systems.
- Troubleshoot and perform maintenance on fluid systems, mechanical, and electrical systems.
- Work collaboratively with test engineers and test article responsible engineers from HQ.
- Implement continuous improvements to increase safety and test site productivity.
Minimum Qualifications
- 5 or more years of hands-on technical experience in testing, manufacturing, instrument fitting, industrial maintenance, or a related hands-on field.
- Proficient reading and working from mechanical drawings and P&IDs.
- Experience bending and flaring stainless steel tubing.
- Experience building and testing high pressure fluid systems.
- Experience performing pressure proof testing.
- Ability to conduct test operations in the field for an extended period of time.
- Ability to operate heavy machinery (forklift, all-terrain forklift, overhead equipment, etc).
- High school diploma or equivalency certificate.
Preferred Skills and Experience
- Experience operating or fabricating high-pressure (6 kpsi) gaseous oxygen systems.
- Experience with precision cleaning and assembly of precision cleaned systems.
- Experience rebuilding high pressure valves and regulators.
Additional Requirements
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs unassisted and work in an outdoor, physically demanding test environment (from freezing conditions to temperatures up to 120 degrees Fahrenheit).
- Willingness to work overtime or weekends to support critical mission milestones.
Compensation
Pay range varies by level and experience:
- Propulsion Test Technician I: $22.87 to $32.46 per hour
- Propulsion Test Technician II: $29.37 to $41.69 per hour
- Propulsion Test Technician III: $33.36 to $47.35 per hour
- Senior Test Technician: $40.10 to $56.92 per hour
Full-time employees receive company equity, medical, dental and vision coverage, paid time off (10+ days for non-exempt staff, ability to cash out unused vacation), paid parental leave, short and long-term disability, life insurance, 401(k) access, and perks including free snacks, coffee, cold drinks and dinner, plus subsidized lunch.
Export Control Compliance
The person hired will have access to information and items subject to U.S. export controls. You must either be a U.S. person as defined by 22 C.F.R. 120.62 or otherwise eligible for deemed export licensing. This includes U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), and asylees and refugees with such status granted, not pending.